How assassination of drug kingpin Alpo Martinez may lead to ‘MORE copycat killings’ as he’s branded a ‘notorious snitch’
THE assassination of drug kingpin Alberto ‘Alpo’ Martinez could lead to “copycat killings”, according to one former fugitive, who called the gangster a “notorious snitch.”
Seth Ferranti – who wrote a book on the slain mobster – told The Sun: “Alpo was a known snitch and murderer.”
Ferranti added: “I think his death is the end of a chapter.
“But it could lead to copycat killings on other notorious snitches who are walking around brazenly and without fear of repercussion.
“To the streets whoever killed Alpo is a hero.”
POLARIZING FIGURE
Martinez, 55, whose cocaine empire spanned from New York City to Washington DC during its 1980s height, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Harlem on Sunday.
Ferranti, who was once on the U.S. Marshals’ most wanted list, said Alpo was a “was a very polarizing figure” after he testified against Wayne Perry in court in 1993 and admitted to killing his friend Rich Porter three years prior.
Perry was believed to have been Alpo’s former enforcer and it’s alleged that the drug lord was trying to spare himself a life sentence when he testified against him.
Alpo – sentenced to 35 years in jail for after facing charges including drugs, conspiracy to commit murder, and 14 counts of murder – was released from jail in 2015 and put under witness protection.
Ferranti, who spent two years on the run and is behind new show WHITE BOY, which is currently airing on Netflix, added: “Alpo was a known snitch and murderer. He killed Rich Porter in cold blood.”
He said Alpo’s death is “street justice”.
Ferranti added: “It means justice for Harlem and Rich Porter. Street justice. Finally served almost three decades later. The streets don’t forget.”
MOVIE LINK
Drug lord Martinez transported kilos of cocaine into Washington DC and flaunted his wealth as he bought jewelry, cars, and clothes.
He was the inspiration behind the 2002 movie Paid in Full.
Ferranti, who disappeared between 1991 and 1993 after facing nonviolent drug trafficking charges, added: “I never met Alpo personally.
“His name was lionized in the annals of hip-hop lore and he became known for his fashion sense, trendsetting, drug dealing. And ultimately his snitching.
“Alpo was the life of the party and someone who other street guys and gun thugs gravitated too. He had balls of steel but was all about him.”
Martinez was shot in the chest, chin, and arm on Sunday and was rushed to Harlem Hospital where medics pronounced him dead.
Cops found ID in the name of Abraham Rodriguez as the drug lord had lived under witness protection after testifying against dealers.
Pictures show the shattered windows of the truck that were riddled with bullet holes. It’s reported that the drug dealer lost consciousness after he was shot and crashed into a parked car.
WITNESS PROTECTION
Cops told the New York Post that the 55-year-old was “in danger” as soon as he returned to Harlem.
A police source said: “You were in the witness protection program because you testified against other drug dealers.
“You’d make a lot of enemies who have a score to settle. When you return to the same area, word will get out very fast. He’s back in the zone.”
Ferranti said: “Alpo was bold and reckless. That’s why he was in his old stomping grounds, almost daring someone to step to him.
“Alpo had a ton of enemies – friends and family if they people he murdered and snitched on.
“But he thought it was all good. He took it a step further and went back to his old neighborhood daring someone to step to him and they called his bluff.
“He was known to be reckless and fearless.”
CHAMPAGNE CELEBRATIONS
Martinez said he shot friend Porter in January 1990 because he suspected he was cutting in on drug deals, the New York Times reports.
As news of the drug dealer’s death emerged, Porter’s family reportedly celebrated by drinking champagne.
Porter’s niece, known only as Lorell, told the New York Daily News: “We waited for a long time for this day to come and we are happy.
“That’s why we’re out here celebrating drinking champagne. Everybody’s reaction right now is celebrating. It’s a celebration for Harlem, period.”
Ferranti told The Sun: “He was definitely a street legend and a notorious one at that.”
“This was a long time coming. In many peoples mind street justice has been served. Karma has spoken,” he added.
The Sun has contacted NYPD for comment.